Berklee College of Music is bringing Lecrae to campus for its 19th Annual Business of Hip‑Hop Music Symposium. It will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The rapper will anchor the event with a full day of programming for students entering the industry.

Berklee uses the symposium to connect young creatives with people who are actively shaping hip‑hop’s business and future. Few artists have navigated charts, entrepreneurship, and purpose the way he has. The school is framing his visit as a chance for students to hear directly from someone who’s done it at every level.

The day starts with an A&R Listening Session from 1–3 p.m. at the Red Room (939 Boylston Street). Students will get the chance to play their music and receive professional feedback. This is a rare opportunity in a controlled, educational setting.

Later that night, Lecrae will lead a “Real Talk” conversation from 6–8 p.m. at David Friend Recital Hall (921 Boylston Street). The discussion will dig into the realities of the music business, from creative development to long‑term strategy, and the balance between art, commerce, and purpose.

The Hip‑Hop Symposium is presented in collaboration with Reach Records. It is reinforcing Berklee’s push to bridge classroom learning with real‑world industry experience. Each year, the event draws artists, executives, and students seeking practical insights they can apply immediately.

Last week, Lecrae appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk. Watch the performance here.

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